fossils 5.1

These flashcards cover key concepts related to trace fossils discussed in the ENVS118 lecture including definitions, classifications, and key terms.

Trace Fossils

Structures produced in rocks, sediments, and grains by the life processes of animals.

Ichnofossils

Another term for trace fossils.

Preservation

The process of maintaining fossils in their original form, such as molds or casts.

Mold

A hollow impression of an organism in sediment.

Cast

A fossil created when a mold is filled with minerals.

Repichnia

Traces representing locomotion, showing directed movement.

Cubichnia

Traces formed by resting animals, often seen as depressions.

Domichnia

Burrows or shelters created by animals that represent long-term dwelling.

Fugichnia

Traces of escape behaviors by animals from sediment.

Fodinichnia

Feeding and dwelling traces, often complex 3-D networks of burrows.

Pascichnia

Grazing traces characterized by distinctive furrowed trails.

Agrichnia

Farming structures that serve to trap or cultivate organisms.

Ichnofacies

A concept defining a sedimentary environment based on the types of trace fossils found.

Sandy Shore Ichnofacies

Represent basic sediment types that are subject to various environmental conditions.

Skolithos ichnofacies

Evidence of shallow water, high-energy environments with vertical burrows.

Cruziana ichnofacies

Found in lower energy shallow water environments dominated by deposit feeders.

Zoophycus ichnofacies

Features complex feeding traces in deeper water with low oxygen levels.

Nereites ichnofacies

Found in abyssal plains where systematic grazing occurs.

Ichnofabric

The texture and structure of sediment modified by animal activity.